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 Village News Magazine |
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This page was last updated on
Saturday March 4, 2006
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| Julian Lewis Writes ... |
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Hardly a day goes by without another story appearing in the media about punishments failing even remotely to fit the crimes concerned. I write this just after the latest pronouncement by publicly-funded Children’s Commissioners that no child should ever be smacked by anyone even through the law already insists that physical punishment must never be “unreasonable”.
Anyone would think that we were living in a society where courtesy and good behaviour were the norm, and that foul-mouthed abuse, indiscipline and brutality were not increasing on our streets.
Recent reports of graffiti-spraying yobs on the Waterside being fined £6,500 remind us that low grade anti-social behaviour helps to create an environment where even more serious crime flourishes. PC Dee Faulkner, Community Safety Officers Alistair Sackley and Stuart Fox, and Hythe Police Inspector John Kenna are to be congratulated on nailing four vandals in a way which will make them, and anyone tempted to copy them, think very hard before doing so again.
Of course, proactive policing policy of this kind involves a concentrated investment of time in order to catch and make an example of the worst culprits. In the long run, however, it will save the community much distress and the police much greater effort because of the deterrent effect on future potential offenders.
An especial word of praise is due for the magistrates of Southampton Youth Court who handed down such a stinging compensation order.
Of course it is always possible that someone will cite Human Rights laws in defence of these four convicted pests. I hope that our community will take every opportunity to show its appreciation when the police do a good job - as they have in this case - and when the magistrates back them up.
Finally, the Graffiti Hotline operated by New Forest District Council is there to be used and, once again I commend it. The number is 023 8028 5959.
Dr. Julian Lewis, MP, New Forest East.
www.julianlewis.net
Tel No: 023 8081 4817 |
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